Undergraduate Honors Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I didn’t apply for the Honors Program—why am I in it?

At Alvernia all students who qualify for the Program are registered in it for their first semester. If you had a strong high school GPA, high SAT scores, and were in the top quarter of your high school class, you are automatically entered into the Program. Students are chosen for the program because we believe that they will thrive in this environment, receiving the educational support, encouragement, and challenge needed to achieve academic excellence.

Q: What are the benefits of the Program?

The most immediate benefit of the program is that you will enjoy being in classes with other bright, academically-motivated students and faculty who are excited to be learning and teaching in that environment. You will have access to co-curricular activities and events that are not available to all students, including field trips and social and cultural activities. You are linked to honors students throughout the country through the college’s participation in the National Collegiate Honors Council. Graduates from the Program will have the uppherhand in the competitive job market or for graduate school or professional programs.

Q: Can I take an Honors Class if I am not in the Program?

Yes. Any student is welcome to take an Honors class if there is room in the class and if the student has permission from either the instructor or from the Director of the Program.

Q: How do I graduate with Honors from the Program?

You must complete three Honors courses in addition to the First Year Seminar, you must do a six-credit thesis, you must hand in a reflective statement of your time at Alvernia, and you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3.

Q: What if my GPA falls to below a 3.3?

To graduate from the Program you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3, but a semester or two below that mark does not mean that you aren’t in the Program.

Q: If I’m not interested in doing a thesis can I still take honors classes?

Yes, you are encouraged to take advantage of the parts of the program that fit into your schedule or that you are interested in, even if you do not plan to graduate from the Program.

Q: How do Honors courses differ from ‘regular’ courses?

Honors courses require you to engage in more critical thinking, and generally operate in a seminar-style, where you are required to participate actively in class discussion and to voice your thoughts and opinions. Honors courses require good reading skills and may require more writing than regular classes. Honors students frequently find that they get more from these non-traditional classes and enjoy the different types of thinking they are asked to do.

Q: Is my scholarship tied to my participation in the Program?

No. Maintaining your scholarship is independent of your decision to participate in the Program; however, you must maintain a certain GPA to maintain scholarships.

Q: Does the Program require extra hours for graduation?

No. Honors courses can be used to fulfill core curriculum requirements or to fulfill major, minor, or Area II requirements.